Environmental degradation and climate change are increasingly recognized as key drivers of insecurity, exacerbating existing vulnerabilities, resource competition, and displacement. In fragile and conflict-affected settings, such as those under the purview of the UN Transitional Mission in Somalia (UNTMIS): addressing environmental and climate security is essential to ensuring long-term stability, sustainable development, and peace.
As Somalia continues its transition towards a more resilient governance structure, integrating environmental and climate considerations into security and development strategies will be crucial.
UN Activities on Environment and Climate Security
The UN's engagement in environment and climate security is guided by a combination of peacebuilding, resilience-building, and governance-strengthening approaches. These efforts focus on:
1. Climate Risk Analysis and Early Warning Systems
Conducting climate security risk assessments to identify hotspots where environmental stressors may drive conflict and instability.
Supporting national and sub-national institutions in integrating climate risks into security and development planning.
Strengthening early warning mechanisms and response strategies to mitigate disaster-related displacement and resource-driven tensions.
2. Natural Resource Management for Peace and Stability
Assisting government agencies in sustainable management of critical resources such as land, water, and forests.
Supporting inclusive governance structures that promote equitable access to natural resources, reducing grievances and preventing conflicts, such as the IOM-supported Mataban Programme.
Strengthening local and community-based dispute resolution mechanisms linked to resource use and climate adaptation, such as the Jowhar Offstream Reservoir Programme.
3. Climate-Responsive Governance and Policy Support
Supporting the Government of Somalia in integrating climate security considerations into the National Development Plan, National Adaptation Plan, and Nationally Determined Contributions.
Strengthening environmental governance through technical assistance, capacity-building, and institutional strengthening of relevant ministries.
Enhancing Somalia’s engagement in regional and global climate security discussions, including at COP and through the Climate Security Mechanism.
4. Climate-Resilient Livelihoods and Community Adaptation
Promoting nature-based solutions to enhance climate resilience, such as sustainable rangeland management, agroforestry, and water conservation techniques.
Supporting displaced populations and host communities with climate-adaptive livelihood options to reduce reliance on resource-intensive activities.
Implementing programs that integrate climate resilience into Durable Solutions and Stabilization Strategies, particularly in conflict-prone areas.
5. Transition and Sustainability Approaches
Ensuring that environmental and climate security measures are embedded in Somalia’s post-UNTMIS transition framework, supporting a smooth handover to national institutions.
Developing mechanisms for climate finance mobilization and donor coordination to ensure continued investment in climate security initiatives beyond the UN’s transitional phase, such as the GCF MoECC programme.
Strengthening partnerships between the UN Country Team, international financial institutions, and national entities to align climate security programming with Somalia’s long-term development priorities.